A report by the Bay Area Council’s Economic Institute explained the impacts of mass deportations in California, which stands to lose up to $275 billion in wages and other economic activity across the state as a result of new federal policies.
Pres. Donald Trump has been
consistent and adamant about pushing forward his anti-immigrant policies, saying he is going to produce the “largest mass deportation program in U.S. history” with mass removal, detainments, and strict border control. He proposes significant spending, nearly $150 billion over the next four years, to succeed in his agenda, but experts are questioning how this will affect the economy amid rising inflation rates.
The 66-page report details the history of immigration policies, and the economic and workforce contributions immigrants of all legal statuses have in California.
The report authors state that of
African American Latino Action Alliance Declares Solidarity with Targeted Immigrant Communities
The African American Latino Action Alliance
Special to The Post
The African American Latino Action Alliance (AALAA) expresses its profound concern and unwavering solidarity with immigrant communities facing heightened challenges across our nation, particularly in the Bay Area and Los Angeles as of late. Our alliance is built on shared history and a collective commitment to social justice and equity for all.
We are witnessing policies and rhetoric that sow fear and division, impacting countless individuals’ and families' well-being and sense of security. The increased presence of immigration enforcement and actions such as travel bans targeting specific countries send distressing signals, reverberating through communities, and raising fundamental questions about equity and due process for all.
These measures evoke a painful
Special to The Post
Mayor Barbara Lee presented two appointments and one reappointment to the Port Commission earlier this month. They represent different sectors, backgrounds, and points of views on how to make Oakland a better place for everyone.
These three appointees bring a perspective and body of knowledge and experiences that will enhance the Port of Oakland. Pending approval by the City Council, all will serve four-year terms beginning July 11 and ending on July 10, 2029.
Barbara Leslie works on build-
By Ken Epstein
Several Oakland community groups, including the Oakland NAACP, held a press conference this week criticizing the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education for lack of transparency and violating the public trust, according to an NBC Bay Area report.
“We need the community to mobilize, and we need to fight because what is happening at the school district level is comparable to what is happening at the national level,” OUSD parent Viveca Ycoy-Walton told the television station. “It’s not right. Parents are being pushed aside, our decisions are not being taken seriously, and we are not even considered.”
Controversial issues have centered around the departure of long-time Supt. Kyla JohnsonTrammell. The board recently reached an agreement with her in closed session to step down as superintendent.
A joint statement by JohnsonTrammell and the school board said that she will continue working in the district in the role as Superintendent Emeritus from July 1 through Jan. 15, 2026. During that time, “the interim superintendent will work closely with the Board, staff, and community to focus on day-to-day district operations, fiscal sustainability and student outcomes,” the statement said.
A major issue has been the superintendent’s extremely high salary, which was negotiated less than a year ago under the leadership of Boardmember Mike Hutchinson and former Boardmember Sam Davis, granting her a pay raise and a final three-year contract extension through the 2027 school year.
Under that contract, JohnsonTrammell has been one of the highest-paid superintendents in California and the country, earning a total compensation package of $637,036.42 a year. Her
Rev. Dr. Amos Brown Retires from S.F.’s Third Baptist with a Street Named After Him
Cincinnati College of Arts and Science and a sermon delivered by Rev. Anthony L. Trufant, senior pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Known for his indefatigable, fearless leadership on all racial disparity, Brown sought justice and change for the community and sued the San Francisco Unified School District for the mistreatment of Black students and teachers.
contract stipulated that she would work on special projects for her last two years, while a temporary superintendent would be hired to run the school district.
The new board majority has argued that the district could not afford the cost of both the superintendent’s salary and an interim superintendent’s salary.
Though some community members were angered that negotiations between the board and superintendent took place in closed session, discussion of personnel matters must not be conducted in public, according to state law and district policy.
The board has hired an interim superintendent, Denise Saddler, who will serve for one year while the district conducts a search for a new superintendent. Beginning her career as a special education elementary school teacher, Saddler has worked for decades in OUSD as an administrator and principal, as well as a trainer of administrators.
The board has also blocked the closing and consolidation of more schools in the Oakland flatlands, although under pressure to do so by state and county education officials.
The board majority instead has insisted that funding be preserved
at school sites and for programs that directly impact students. To resolve the district’s projected $95 million deficit, board members are pushing to save funds by reducing the numbers of high-priced, outside consultants and positions in central office administration, which has grown significantly in the last few years.
Responding to the criticisms, OUSD Board President Jennifer Brouhard told NBC Bay Area:
“School boards across the country often appoint interim superintendents without a formal public search process. However, the search for a permanent superintendent will be conducted in a fully public and transparent manner.
“There will be many opportunities for students, staff, families, and community organizations to provide input on what matters most to them, from budget and academic priorities to labor and other key concerns.
“There is no conflict of interest between the Board and the teachers’ union. When a potential conflict arises — whether involving unions, charter organizations, or community groups — Board members are advised to seek le-
ered by Gov. Gavin Newsom and The Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., former mayor of San Francisco and Speaker of the California Assembly.
Other speakers at the event included Rev. Rodney Leggett, senior pastor of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church; Dr. Cassandra Jones, assistant professor of Africana Studies at the University of
Under Brown’s leadership, Third Baptist Church of San Francisco established a summer school program, created an after-school academic enrichment program (Backon-Track) in partnership with Congregation EMANU-EL and the Charles A. Tindley Academy of Music; sponsored more African refugees than any local congregation in the nation and sponsored 80 children from Tanzania to receive heart surgery in the United States.
He led the Bay Area in raising $68,000 for the Somalian Relief Effort in 1984, led in founding the Black American Response to the African Crisis, which raised
By Ayah Ali-Ahmad
photo.
Left to Right - Rick Callender, president of the California / Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP, Leon W. Russell, Chairman National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., Jane Brown, Governor Gavin Newsom, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, Mayor Barbara Lee, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Photo by Ken Johnson.
Protesters in Oakland rally against federal immigration raids. Photo courtesy of Estefany Gonzalez of Oaklandside.
REPORT: Mass Deportations Will Hit California Economy Hard
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
A new economic report warns that federal immigration enforcement crackdowns could deal a major blow to California’s economy by targeting undocumented immigrants who make up a critical part of the workforce.
The study found that of California’s 10.6 million immigrants, about 2.28 million are undocumented. They make up nearly 8% of all workers in the state. These workers help generate nearly 5% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) through direct wages. When indirect economic effects are included, that number rises to almost 9%.
Undocumented workers also contribute more than $23 billion annually in local, state, and federal taxes.
“Undocumented immigrants are deeply woven into the fabric
of California’s economy,” stated the report. “Mass deportation policies would cause wide-scale disruptions in key industries and harm communities across the state.”
The report highlights the potential losses in sectors like agriculture and construction. Undocumented workers make up more than a quarter of California’s farm labor force. Without them, the state’s agricultural GDP could fall by 14%. In construction, 26% of the workforce is undocumented.
Removing them could shrink the sector’s GDP by nearly 16%, worsening an already severe labor shortage.
The report also includes interviews with business and community leaders who say increased immigration enforcement is already causing worker shortages and hurting local economies. Many expressed
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) speaking on the Assembly floor on June 20. He urged his colleagues to pass Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 90 which recognizes Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States.
‘Let’s
Talk About Juneteenth’: California Leaders Celebrate ‘Foundational’ Legacy of American Holiday
By Tanu Henry California Black Media
Elected officials in California, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), last week commemorated Juneteenth, a holiday recognized each year to mark the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, long celebrated in various Black communities in California and across the United States, was enshrined into law in 2021 as a federal holiday by former President Joe Biden.
“There was no pathway of immigration to this country for Black Americans. We didn’t emigrate to this country. We were stolen and brought to this country,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), vice chair of the CLBC, on the floor of the As-
sembly on June 20.
Bryan made the statement as he urged his colleagues to vote for Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 90 introduced by fellow CLBC member Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and the other members of the CLBC.
“Immigration was a pathway for people,” continued Bryan.
“We were thought of as property — chattel property to be bought, sold and traded, and raped and maimed, and so much else.”
Bryan reminded the California Assembly that there were 14 generations of Black Americans who were enslaved in the United States.
“For 160 years, we’ve been celebrating Juneteenth. That’s not nearly as long as we were enslaved in this country. The original Juneteenth flag is red, white and blue.
By Anka Lee Post Intern
It’s pride month, making it the perfect time to dive into a Black romantic comedy by Jasmine Guillory, a local Black author, with her newest book release “Flirting Lessons.”
Guillory’s writer's talk on Wednesday, June 11, at the Oakland Main Library allowed her readers to dive a little more into the book, featuring a lesbian couple — and her journey as a writer.
In the library’s basement, rows of seats for the audience faced a casual setup at the front of the room, where Guillory’s books were displayed on a small shelf behind two armchairs reserved for the interviewer and the author herself.
Applause filled the room as Guillory walked to her chair. The energy and excitement that coursed through the audience was palpable.
In her opening remarks, Guillory gave credit to romance for helping her to get through hard times. Although romance stories
had helped her escape reality when she’d needed it, she’d had doubts she would be able to write them and create the same effect for others through her stories: “I felt I’d be too detail-oriented to write romance.”
Guillory opened up about the challenges she faced during that drastic transition in career from working at a law firm to writing romance books — and how she found success despite her personal struggles.
Asked what inspired her to write her first romance about a queer couple, Guillory shared that she initially had the idea a couple years ago — to create a character “that breaks a lot of hearts,” which later became Taylor Cameron, one of the protagonists in “Flirting Lessons.”
The interview was very conversational, the topics ranging from socializing to how she develops her characters. Guillory grew up in the Bay Area and a majority of her books are set
iStock.
Jasmine Guillory. Photo from www.jasmineguillory.com.
BOOK REVIEW
The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery
erts is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.
A graduate of Yale University with a law degree from Harvard, Dorothy Roberts is a legal scholar and public policy researcher exposing racial inequities embedded within health and social service systems.
incubus was literally only the man of Fonsi’s dreams, and so Fonsi renounced love and threw himself into being a part-time psychic and running La Playa, a store for believers in the spirits.
Sine 2012, she has been a professor of Law and Sociology, and on the faculty in the department of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
He loved that store and his customers but lately, he’d noticed that something was wrong ¬– and his BFF’s mother, Estelle, also a psychic, confirmed it. El Intermedio, the spirit world, was roiling and they needed someone with more power to help hold the spirits back.
This is the eighth and last in the series highlighting the Black awardees.
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
You fit right in.
Whatever it takes, that’s all right. It’s human nature to change your mind and be one with the group. To relax your presence to maintain good will. To stay quiet and under the radar – but be careful. As in the new book, “The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery” by Clarence A. Haynes, denying who you really are can be deadly.
Beautiful, talented, and driven, Montgomery’s touch was magic.
Everyone who wanted to be famous knew that she alone could make it happen, that her work at Sublime Creative could make someone a legend like Montgomery herself.
Yes, she was a superstar.
Personally, though, things were different. Working long hours with whiny, demanding stars was fine,
but Montgomery wanted companionship. She was lucky she met James, who was sweet and kinda geeky, not perfect, but better than another one-night stand. And there was that other problem: someone or something was trying to ruin Montgomery’s career.
It was horrible when a fashion show she’d organized at the Brooklyn Museum was trashed with a red substance that police said was blood. It was terrible when the same thing happened at an event she’d done for her “baddest,” most spoiled client. But the gory Spanish words scrawled on the wall of both venues were what scared her the most.
“TRAIDORA,” they said. Traitor.
Ever since he was a teenager, Fonsi Harewood talked to ghosts; recently, he learned that he could sleep with one, too. That super-hot
Roberts’s work encompasses reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare. She sheds light on systemic inequities, amplifies the voices of those directly affected, and boldly calls for wholesale transformation of existing systems.
Someone like Fonsi’s long-estranged cousin, also a Guardián, wherever she was …
Roberts’s early work focused on Black women’s reproductive rights and their fight for reproductive justice. In “Killing the Black
If you’re like a lot of people, you pick up a book, skim the first few pages, and make your decision: to read or not to read. Do that with the beginning of “The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery” and you’ll be tempted to put it back.
Trust this, though: despite that it’s a jumble at first, you won’t be sorry if you stay.
Whether you believe in ghosts or you scoff at the idea of a spirit world, this novel will satisfy your cravings with lots of hair-raising moments and one or two moderately explicit eyebrow-raisers, along with an intriguing back story that includes a bit of mystery. But it’s not all boo-who: Haynes injects enough excitement and humor to keep even the most soberminded reader entranced with a plot that’s twisty fun.
For your vacation this year, you know you’re going to want to take a good book along and you can’t go wrong with “The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery.”
Check your suitcase. It’ll fit right in.
Author: Clarence A. Haynes c.2026, Legacy Lit, $29.00, 240 pages
state intervention and the results of
ed with Child Protective Services tions regularly punish the effects
income, and children from these families are much more likely than white children to be removed from
In “Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition
sical guitarist, composer, educator, and civil rights activist.
of norms.
She also shows that blaming marginalized individuals for structural problems, while ignoring the historical roots of economic and social inequality, fails families and communities.
Born free in Norfolk County, Virginia, to Exum Holland, a farmer, and his wife, the younger Holland was one of several children. From a young age, he showed an obvious musical aptitude, even composing accompaniments to poetry by age eight. Tragedy struck in 1833 when Holland lost both parents at just 14, prompting him to relocate north to Chelsea and Boston, Massachusetts.
Roberts argues that the engrained oppressive features of the current system render it beyond repair. She calls for creating an entirely new approach focused on supporting families rather than punishing them.
Can Build a Safer World (2022),”
By Tamara
side parents, social workers, fam ily defense lawyers, and organizations, Roberts has concluded that the current child welfare system is in fact a system of family policing with alarmingly unequal practices and outcomes. Her 2001 book, “Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare,” details the outsized role that race and class play in determining who is subject to
Roberts traces the historical, cultural, and political forces driving the racial and class imbalance in child welfare interventions.
Strings of Justice: The Musical and Social Legacy of Justin Holland
— March 24, 1887) was a groundbreaking figure in 19th century American music — a gifted clas-
These include stereotypes about Black parents as negligent, devaluation of Black family bonds, and stigmatization of parenting practices that fall outside a narrow set
In Boston, Holland’s musical life blossomed — inspired by a concert featuring Spanish virtuoso Mariano Perez. Soon, Holland began formal guitar studies under Perez, Simon Knabel, and William Schubert. He learned flute and music theory. Despite working manual jobs to support himself, he remained dedicated to playing the guitar.
Her support for dismantling the current system of child welfare is unsettling to some, but her provocation inspires many to think more critically about its poor track record and harmful design.
By uncovering the complex forces underlying social systems and institutions, and uplifting the experiences of people caught up in them, Roberts creates opportunities to imagine and build more equitable and responsive ways to ensure child and family safety.
In 1841, Justin entered Oberlin College in Ohio — the first American institution to admit Black students — where he remained
Shiloh
Justin Holland (July 26, 1819
The Bookworm Sez
Special to The Post
Oct. 1, it was noted that eight of the 22 MacArthur fellows were African American. Among the re cipients of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, histo rian, and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over
a five-year period to spend as they
min, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes,
olds, and Dorothy Roberts.
Dorothy Roberts. Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. Ma cArthur Foundation.
Clarence A. Haynes. Photo by Erin Patrice O’Brien.
Justin Holland.
Is your OOO on Yet? Keep These Travel Budget Friendly Tips in Mind
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Summer is here, and for many Americans, it’s vacation season.
It’s also one of the most expensive seasons to travel. With warm weather, school breaks and slower work schedules encouraging many to hit the road or book a flight during the summer months, prices for flights, hotels and destinations often reach their peak, which could put a damper on your dream vacation plans.
If you’re looking to get away and maximize your time out of office, these tips and tricks can help make seeing the world, or even just the U.S., a bit more affordable. Start saving & take advantage of travel perks
Planning your vacation can start any time simply by saving money for your travel expenses. Look at where your money is currently going and see if there are items you can cut, such as subscriptions, entertainment and dining out.
Don’t underestimate the power of credit card points – they can make travel more rewarding and help offset costs. Explore the travel rewards your credit card offers.
Travel cards can help you build up miles or rewards points to put toward flights, hotel stays or rental cars by rewarding you for everyday purchases.
Timing is everything
If your plans are more flexible, you may also want to consider traveling during the off-season for lower prices. Think about traveling in the month or two on either
side of the peak season when tourists are less likely to visit. Whenever you travel, however, aim to book plane tickets about two months in advance, and start looking up flights as early as possible to get the lowest prices.
Sign up for airline price drop alerts and follow airlines via email newsletters and social media to keep atop any deals. Check for package deals as well, as airlines and hotels will often offer package deals at a discount to make sure no seats or rooms go empty.
As you make your itinerary, look for discounts at popular destinations. Many museums offer free tickets on certain days or at certain times of the day. Ticket and book-
ing deals are often available for members of certain professions, such as education, health care and the military. Other cities offer museum passes that allow you to visit multiple museums for a flat rate.
Know what to skip
Once you’re at your destination, consider passing on expensive guided tours or private transit like taxis or ride shares. Instead, create your own city tour, look online for free walking tours or get around on public transportation.
If you’re visiting a popular monument or famous street, pass the “tourist trap” stores and restaurants and do your shopping and dining a few blocks away where prices are likely to be lower.
When you get a Flex Alert, reduce your power use to help ease the grid and save energy.
Broaden your horizons
Sometimes, you can have more fun at a lesser-known destination. Try some smaller towns over big cities, which can offer better prices on your hotel and dining experiences. Additionally, if you’re within driving distance of a big city, you can still go and enjoy it for a day.
If you are staying in a larger area, find a hotel outside of the most expensive part of the city but close enough that you’re not spending much getting to the sights.
Plan a staycation
If a big trip still isn’t in your budget, that’s OK. There are still plenty of ways to get away, even if you stay in the comfort of your
own home.
Take a day trip to a nearby town or plan a longer road trip through your state. You’ll still get to see new places and try new hotels. If you’re planning to visit a friend or family member, explore a new venue while you’re in that town.
Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer unique charm without the usual crowds and costs.
The U.S. also has extensive state and national park systems with a reasonable per-car entrance price. To save even more money, bring a picnic!
The bottom line
Travel enriches our lives, and with some creative planning, you can enjoy memorable adventures
without overspending. Using budget travel tips can help you add adventure to your life this summer without breaking the bank. Have fun finding strategic ways to cut costs while still having an enjoyable and fulfilling trip.
For more financial health tips, visit chase.com/financialgoals.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.
California Backs South LA Black Cultural District With $3 Million in State Funding
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
California is moving forward with a plan to create a Black Cultural District in South Los Angeles, backed by $3 million in state funding secured by State Sen. Lola SmallwoodCuevas (D-Los Angeles).
The effort aims to formally recognize the historic and cultural contributions of one of the state’s largest Black communities.
The proposed district will honor neighborhoods like the Crenshaw Corridor, Leimert Park, and Historic Central Avenue. The funding will go toward public art, cultural markers, and monuments celebrating Black life, history, and creativity in South L.A.
“This is about uplifting the powerful narrative of Black
people in California’s history,” said Karen Mack, executive director of LA Commons, a nonprofit leading the community effort. “Everyone has a story to tell, and these stories help build belonging and connection.”
The district will be formally proposed to the California Arts Council, which oversees official state cultural district designations. Supporters say it will help protect Black heritage in the face of growing threats, including gentrification, displacement, and climate disasters.
Smallwood-Cuevas called the initiative a vital step toward long-term cultural preservation. “Without formal efforts like this, our history remains vulnerable,” she said. “I am proud to lead the charge to ensure our communities are seen,
celebrated, and protected.”
To mark the occasion, LA Commons will host its annual Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks on June 29 in Leimert Park. The event will feature African diaspora art, performance, and ceremony, and include a special appearance by Smallwood-Cuevas.
As part of the initiative, LA Commons also released a new report summarizing early community input and design ideas. It outlines a vision for how local artists, designers, and architects can shape the district’s future.
Organizers say this project is about more than one neighborhood. It’s part of a growing statewide movement to recognize and preserve Black cultural assets and ensure they remain a central part of California’s story.
Pride 2025: Black LGBTQ+ Californians
Lean on History — and Each Other — in the
Face of Growing Hate
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
Natasha Hooper, a poet and event host in San Diego, said she is commemorating LGBTQ+ Pride Month by honoring Black historical figures – often overlooked or underappreciated by the broader LGBTQ+ community — and celebrating in solidarity with other African Americans.
Hooper emphasized the need to strengthen community bonds, especially as LGBTQ+ people face growing hate and shrinking rights.
Hooper said she and her friends plan to attend Pride events that celebrate Black people including picnics, pool parties, music events and networking opportunities.
“I grew up very much closeted and it took me a while to kind of come into my own with my queerness, Hooper told California Black Media. (CBM).
“However, as an adult, I think it’s an important time to acknowledge our Black history in the LG-
BTQ+ community and the people who have fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we have now. Some of those people having fought for Civil Rights at the same time; Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, James Baldwin and others. I think it would’ve also made life for my younger self a lot less lonely knowing I could be living the life I am now.” Hooper added.
According to the most recent survey conducted by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) in partnership with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and pansexual (12%) and transgender (19%) adult respondents were more likely to experience hate than Californians overall.
Researchers surveyed more than 20,000 households on health and hate related questions for the report.
One year after Gov. Gavin Newsom officially proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride month, the
current political and social climate in the country has raised questions on how celebrations like Pride will be regarded by the mainstream in the future.
“This month, we celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and their hard-fought victories to advance acceptance and equality,” said Newsom in a release after proclaiming June Pride month. “We must also rededicate ourselves to the continued fight — standing together, united, to protect and build on our progress toward a better, more inclusive, and safer future for all.”
This year, some corporations that previously aligned themselves with LGBTQ+ celebrations and campaigns have begun to decrease or drop their support as they align with the Trump administration’s anti-diversity posture.
Despite the blowback, Black members of the LGBTQ+ community in California are planning to stand strong and ensure that their voices are heard and history is honored.
According to a report from eScholorship, there are an estimated 55,000 Black LGBTQ adult members in California. This group represents 3.2% of the state’s Black adult population, which is higher than the national average.
Los Angeles Black Pride, taking place over July 4th weekend, is the premiere event in California with multiple parties and gatherings geared toward Black LGBTQ+ people. San Diego also hosts a prominent Black Pride Festival. Another well-attended event in the northern part of the state is Soul of Pride in San Francisco.
Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment listed here:
The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum or call:
Lee
By Emil Guillermo
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee knows that “No means No” when it comes to the authorization of military force.
It seems Donald Trump has no idea about that. He does what he wants.
But Trump could take a lesson from Lee.
In 2001, just days after 9/11, then Congresswoman Lee made headlines as the only member of Congress to stand up to the Bush administration’s use of force against Afghanistan or any country harboring terrorists.
She was called a traitor.
Now, more than 20 years later, after a war that claimed countless lives and cost the U.S. more than a trillion dollars, we remember Lee’s bravery as remarkable.
Last weekend, members of Congress did not get the chance to speak out against Donald Trump’s bombings. Some were warned, but not all. Certainly not all Democrats. There was no vote in Congress, which means, we the people were shut out. Who made the decision?
Newsom’s Message to Trump Administration ... Continued from page 6
“The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America … this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” wrote Newsom.
According to reports, it was Trump who decided when and where the bombs would target Iran.
Trump sucker-punched us all.
\Targets were struck in Iran, but did it end what Israel convinced Trump was an existential threat to the Jewish nation and the world?
As I write, no. It was Trump’s gamble. If the goal was to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capability, by Tuesday of this week, it still wasn’t clear if Iran remained a threat.
TRUMP’S F BOMB
This week, Donald Trump dropped the F bomb on TV. Some networks didn’t bleep him.
That’s how frustrated Trump was after his “plan” failed. That plan was to bomb Iran, essentially bullying them to come to the table and accept the U.S. and Israel’s demands. Iran, of course, rejected that and sent bombs into Israel and Qatar. Despite that, Trump announced a ceasefire late Monday.
But no one listens to someone who has a military but no credibility. So, the bombings
And when Vance told him to “Do your job,” Newsom hit back:
“Do YOUR job. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
For Newsom, this is no longer just a clash of personalities or party platforms — it’s a constitutional line in the sand.
By going head-to-head with Trump and Vance, Newsom isn’t
NOTICE AND DIGEST
continued, with Israel unloading on Iran, and Iran striking back.
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting for so long and so hard that they don’t know what the (eff) they’re doing,” Trump said. Swearing doesn’t make the president human or tough. But it does expose the frustration of his naivete — thinking he could do anything significant in just a few days to change the dangerous situation in the Middle East that has lasted for centuries.
By being the first to strike three nuclear facilities in Iran last Saturday, Trump showed an impatience of a loser, not a peacemaker.
He had said he’d give it two weeks before acting, then he authorized an attack in two days. Smart? Not if he really wanted to give peace a chance.
Midweek, Trump headed to NATO with a tattered ceasefire that might last. But like everything else he does, Trump got us here in a clumsy, incompetent way.
And let’s not forget why we’re in this situation. In 2018, with a negotiated Iran nuclear agreement in place, Trump pulled out. It was Obama’s plan, and he didn’t like it. Now he’d be happy to have that deal back. Only with a Trump brand.
Last weekend before starting this all, Trump should have remembered the wisdom of Barbara Lee.
About the Author
Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. See his micro-talk show at www.YouTube.com/@emilamok1.
just defending California — he’s doing it with clarity and conviction. In a political moment defined by noise and posturing, his plainspoken rebukes are cutting through.
About the Author Joe W. Bowers Jr., a contributing editor at California Black Media, is a graduate of Stanford University.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SALARY SCHEDULE OF ORDINANCE NO. 12187
C.M.S. (“SALARY ORDINANCE”) TO: (A) ADD THE FULL-TIME CLASSIFICATION OF PARKING CONTROL TECHNICIAN II; AND (B) ADD THE FULL-TIME CLASSIFICATION OF OAK311 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER SPECIALIST, SENIOR; AND (C) ADD THE FULL-TIME, PERMANENT PART-TIME, AND PART-TIME EQUIVALENT CLASSIFICATIONS OF OAK311 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER SPECIALIST; AND (D) AMEND THE TITLE OF THE FULL-TIME AND PERMANENT PART-TIME EQUIVALENT CLASSIFICATIONS OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNER, SENIOR TO TRANSPORTATION PLANNER, SUPERVISING; AND (E) AMEND THE SALARY OF THE PART-TIME CLASSIFICATION OF SENIOR AIDE, PT TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF OAKLAND’S MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE
This ordinance authorizes changes to the City’s Classification Plan as shown in the City’s Salary Schedule to add three new classifications and amend existing titles and salary rates. Parking Control Technician II positions will be added to the Department of Transportation to enforce parking regulations, issue citations, and increase capacity to deliver services to the community. OAK311 Communications Center Specialist, Senior and OAK311 Communications Center Specialist classifications are being added to the Office of the City Administrator to replace the existing call center positions following the creation of new job descriptions. In the Department of Transportation, the classification title for Transportation Planner, Senior is being revised to ensure better alignment of the levels within the job series. Lastly, the pay rate for the Senior Aide, PT classification is being raised to align with the City of Oakland’s new minimum wage rate that took effect January 1, 2025 per requirements in Measure FF and the Oakland Municipal Code Section 5.92.
Notice of Publication
This Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting, Tuesday afternoon June 17, 2025, and passed to print 7 Ayes; 1 No – Gallo. Final adoption has been scheduled for the City Council meeting Tuesday evening July 1, 2025, 3:30 P.M., at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Council Chamber, 3rd floor, Oakland, California, and via Teleconference. Three full copies are available for use and examination by the public in the Office of the City Clerk at One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor, Oakland, California.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
ing the economic vitality of the city with the business community every day, and the mayor is reappointing her to continue her service on the Port Commission, the economic engine of the region.
The mayor is appointing Alvina Wong to serve the remainder of the term of Yui Hay Lee. Wong’s perspective as the first Asian American woman to serve on the Port Commission, her longtime work for an environmental justice organization that believes that equity must be an integral part of job creation and economic development will be a tremendous asset to the Port Commission as Oakland takes on greening initiatives, sustainabil-
ity, and community engagement and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
The mayor is appointing attorney Derrick Muhammad, a West Oakland Local 10 leader of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union whose leadership links the place and people who keep the port working. It is necessary to have someone who understands labor, economic development, and environmental justice on the Port Commission. Muhammad will continue to work to make sure West Oakland is a priority of the port, and he has a history of working with people with different backgrounds for the good
‘It’s a Man Thing’ Abyssinian BC Conference Empowers Fathers for Stronger Futures
By Debbie Potter Special to The Post
The recent “It’s A Man Thing Fatherhood Conference” on June 21, sponsored by Bishop Kevin Barnes, Sr. and Raising Communities Higher, Inc., emerged as a resounding success, drawing 75 attendees who enthusiastically participated in discussions and activities centered on fatherhood, community, and empowerment.
Held at Abyssinian Baptist Church at 528 33rd St. in Oakland, the event celebrated the critical role fathers play in nurturing and building stronger families, while fostering environments of collaboration and reflection.
Event Overview
The conference provided resources, insights, and support for fathers, speakers, and interaction by the attendees, all designed to inspire and equip fathers with practical tools for parenting and personal growth.
As always, everything was free, free food (catered by Chef KB), free gifts, and raffles. At this conference, 15 bicycles were raffled off to the attendees.
A highlight of the conference were the compelling speeches delivered on parenting and community leadership. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and strategies, encouraging fathers to embrace their role with confidence and compassion. The talks touched on topics such as effective communication with children, balancing work and family life, loss of a son, and the importance of emotional intelligence in fatherhood.
Other Special Guests
Members of ION (Impact Oakland Now) of which Bishop Barnes is a member, included Bishop Keith Clark, Pastor Zac Cary, and Pastor Michael Wallace. Additionally, Pastor Summers, Pastor C. Barnes, Pastor Jones, and a host of others were on hand to speak and encourage the attendees.
In the interactive sessions attendees immersed themselves in open discussions and activities that fostered collaboration and camaraderie among the participants, allowing them to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Community
gal counsel to ensure we are in full compliance. We take this responsibility seriously.
“Board members consult regularly with representatives from all six district unions. The voices of our labor partners are essential to our shared mission of supporting student success. Speaking for myself, I deeply respect the experience, contributions, and leadership of all OUSD union members,” Brouhard said.
Boardmember Mike Hutchinson, who until recently was an officer of the school board, is strongly opposed to the new board majority.
“OUSD is in a crisis, a self-inflicted crisis by our current school board, and I think this leaves us in the worst situation that we have ever been in in the history of OUSD,” Hutchinson told NBC Bay Area.
Hutchinson has criticized the board majority for a conflict of interest over connections to the Oakland teachers’ union. He has been at odds with the union for years after it did not endorse him for reelection.
The teachers’ union, the Oakland Education Association (OEA), this week joined with community partners to issue a letter calling for “a transparent, inclusive Superintendent search rooted in public trust and shared values.”
The union rejected charges of conflict of interest. “We take concerns about governance seriously and reject any characterization of our work as improper,” said union President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer.
“The OEA conducts its advocacy within the bounds of the law, and we remain focused on strengthening public education for all Oakland students.”
Rev. Dr. Amos Brown Retires ...
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$300,000 for the Ethiopian Famine crises, and led an airlift to Ethiopia under the auspices of the National Baptist Convention.
Brown says at the age of 8 his family told him his name meant “the prophet who bears the problems of the people” and “lover of the people.”
“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to live out what my name meant,” said Brown.
Brown served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 2001. He was originally appointed by Mayor Willie Brown in 1996, then elected to a two-year term in 1999.
Brown was also awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Ministerial Award for contributions to the Black Church in America and was inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the King International Chapel at Morehouse College. Brown has been honored by The City and County of San Francisco and his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi.
Mass
Deportations Could Cost California
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California’s 10.6 million immigrants, 2.28 million are undocumented, making up 6% of the state’s population. Areas like the Greater Los Angeles region and the Bay Area have the highest shares of immigrants, totaling about onethird of the population each.
Sixty-five percent of undocumented immigrants are of working age, (between the 25 to 54 years old), compared to about 50% of all immigrants and less than 40% of native-born residents.
According to the authors, nearly 1.5 million of California’s undocumented individuals are active in the labor force, which accounts for a participation rate of over 72% from undocumented individuals. This is 5% higher than the rate for native-born residents, which is around 67%.
“Immigrants are a cornerstone of California’s workforce and economy,” the report says.
Mass deportations would have a massive effect on several workforce sectors, not only what is considered “low-skilled” labor.
...
significant disruptions in the agricultural workforce.
Companies said there were dozens of no-shows from workers in those initial days, which caused economic losses in the low millions, the report says.
According to the authors’ analysis, removing the immigrant workforce would result in the loss of nearly $153 billion in direct effects coming from the labor of undocumented workers and their wages.
Considering a reduction in business activity in industries that rely on undocumented labor and the impact of undocumented workers’ household spending on goods and services across the state, the total economic loss is estimated at over $275 billion.
The report also states that inflation for consumer goods such as agricultural products, homes, services, and other products would increase, burdening native-born residents.
The focus was not only on addressing challenges but also on celebrating the joys and triumphs of fatherhood. The conference emphasized the importance of community supporting fathers.
A Tailored Experience for Attendees
In spite of the large number, the conference struck a balance between intimacy and diversity. The smaller group size allowed for personalized interactions and meaningful exchanges. Fathers came from a variety of backgrounds, bringing rich perspectives to the table. This inclusivity ensured that every participant felt heard and valued, contributing to the overall success of the conference.
Testimonials
Throughout the event, attendees shared their positive feedback and reflections. One participant remarked, “This conference opened my eyes to the importance of being present and engaged as a father. I am leaving with tools I can use immediately in my family life.”
Another shared, “It’s incredible to see a community come together to support fathers. The connections I’ve made here are invaluable.”
Looking Ahead
The resounding success of the “It’s A Man Thing Fatherhood Conference” underscores the need for more events dedicated to empowering fathers. Plans are already underway for future conferences and initiatives to continue building this momentum. The vision is to create an ongoing platform for fathers to learn, share, and grow alongside their peers.
In closing, the conference was not merely an event, it was a movement. By bringing together fathers from diverse backgrounds and fostering an environment of learning and support, the conference paved the way for stronger families and communities.
With its thoughtful design and impactful execution, the “It’s A Man Thing Fatherhood Conference” has set a new standard for fatherhood-focused gatherings, proving that when fathers are empowered, everyone benefits. The next conference will be in September.
As a local pastor with a global reach, Brown was a delegate to the 2001 United Nations Conference on Race and Intolerance in Durban, South Africa.
After the tragedy of Sept.11, 2001, Brown was one of the principal national faith leaders to respond to the tragedy at the San Francisco Day of Remembrance. Also in 2001, Brown and Jesse Jackson met with the venerable Nelson Mandela in South Africa around issues of African development and U.S. foreign policy matters. And as a champion of educational enterprises, he brought to Third Baptist the Honorable Kweisi Mfume raising $67,000 for educational scholarships.
Additionally, beyond the pulpit, Brown has served as a member of the San Francisco Community College Board, national chairman of the National Baptist Commission on Civil Rights and Human services, chairman of the Bay Area Ecumenical Pastors Conference, first vice president of the California State Baptist Convention, president of NAACP Branch in San Francisco and a member of the governing board of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
In 1961, Brown was arrested along with Martin Luther King Jr. at a lunch counter sit-in. That same year, he joined the Freedom Riders. Brown has been an organizer and leader for as long as he can remember. “We fought segregation at Pin Point Beach in Savannah, Ga., in 1961,” said Brown.
More recently Brown has served the California and San Francisco fight for reparations to be paid to Black people, aid in economic empowerment and compensate for deficiencies in education.
Brown says he wants peace and justice for all mankind using Jesus as the ultimate example and his father’s family Bible as a guide.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Marian Wright Edelman, founder of The Children’s Defense Fund were among many that influenced the way he has functioned in the world.
San Francisco Post Publisher Paul Cobb said Rev. Amos Brown’s legacy continues after his retirement. “He is the embodiment of the Negro spiritual ‘Ain’t Got Time to Die,’ because he spends all of his time serving the community and serving the Lord.”
Sharing Brown’s commitment to service and social justice are his wife, Jane Smith Brown of Richmond, Virginia; two sons, Amos C. Brown, Jr. and David Josephus Brown, and daughter, Kizzie Marie Brown.
African American Latino Action Alliance ...
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resonance with historical struggles faced by African American and Latino communities in this country – experiences of being targeted, marginalized, and denied full participation in the promise of American democracy.
Our collective experiences have taught us that true justice and the strength of our society depend on upholding fundamental principles for all. These principles include the human right to safety, belonging, dignity, and self-determination, irrespective of origin or background.
When any community is scapegoated, when due process is undermined or when fear becomes a tool of policy, the very foundations of the inclusive and just society we strive to build is eroded.
As an alliance deeply committed to the empowerment and wellbeing of African American and Latino communities, we recognize that the struggle for immigrant rights is inextricably linked to the broader fight for civil rights, and racial and social justice.
We believe a robust democracy thrives on open dialogue, accountability, and protecting the most vulnerable.
The demonstrations we see are powerful expressions of solidarity and a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance against policies that threaten our shared values.
The African American Latino Action Alliance firmly supports all peaceful efforts to advocate for human rights and fair treatment for our communities. We join in calling for an immediate end to policies that lead to the unwarranted separation of families and the removal of individuals from their communities without transparent and just processes.
We are at a crucial juncture in our nation's history. It is imperative that we, as a society, live up to the principles of justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
The African American Latino Action Alliance is committed to working collaboratively to foster understanding, build bridges between communities, and advocate for policies that truly reflect the diverse and equitable society we envision for everyone.
Statement submitted by Nunu Kidane, Jose Dorado, and Greg Hodge. For information, contact 2023aalaa@gmail.com
Over 25% of the agricultural workforce is undocumented, the report states, and nearly two-thirds of workers are immigrants of any status. In domestic work such as housekeeping, immigrants make up more than 70% of the workforce, with undocumented workers accounting for 35%.
After immigration raids in Kern County in the weeks before Trump’s second inauguration, experts and business owners reported
Nicci Mattey, senior policy and advocacy associate for the National Immigration Forum, said in a report issued prior to the November election that the mass deportation of immigrants would also have “far-reaching consequences” in racial profiling, negative effects in the mental health of families, and would destabilize entire communities.
“Ultimately, mass deportation is an extreme and costly policy that would have lasting negative effects on the nation’s security, economy, and society,” Mattey wrote.
Oakland’s Cultural Arts Budget Cuts ...
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Alexis Leifheit has since served as interim manager.
“The division needs a thoughtleader,” said Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, executive director of the Black Arts Movement Business District Community Development Corporation (BAMBD CDC). “If it doesn't have a thought-leader from the outside, if I were to predict what would happen, cultural affairs would be zeroed out altogether.”
The Cultural Affairs manager coordinated public art efforts, brokered major grant applications and oversaw relationships with philanthropic institutions and cultural districts, according to Bedoya and city reports.
During his tenure, former manager Bedoya said he helped secure millions of dollars in outside funding, including federal pandemic relief, cultural strategist initiatives and city-supported grants.
He also connected Oakland’s arts community with national funders, aligning opportunities with city priorities and shaping the city’s cultural infrastructure through strategic relationships.
“You need to have a relationship with national funders. You need to know the program officers. You need to know what their policies and areas of giving are, and then you start to make those asks,” Bedoya said.
District 4 Councilmember Janani Ramachandran was one of the four councilmembers on an ad hoc budget team that authored budget amendments. She defended freezing the role, citing the city’s $265 million structural deficit; a gap where regular spending exceeds revenue even in normal economic conditions.
Ramachandran said the position underperformed, brought in limited grant revenue, and cost $300,000 annually, including benefits. She said the funds were better spent on direct services and public safety.
“This role did not successfully generate new grants for a very long time,” Ramachandran said.
She also added that the city’s
budget still allocates over $3 million to the arts through various programs and departments. However, activists and former staff contend that these funds are dispersed among general economic activation initiatives rather than specifically earmarked for arts grants.
BAMBD CDC and the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP) led a rally outside City Hall during the City Council’s June 17 meeting. Artists demanded the position be restored during public comment.
APTP Executive Director Cat Brooks said that the lack of a dedicated manager could harm community-based arts organizations, particularly those led by Black and Brown artists, who depend on city support to pursue grant funding.
Brooks argues that arts funding is a safer, more sustainable alternative to increased police budgets, citing a recent $4 million OPD vehicle contract as misprioritized. She said APTP’s primary demand is to restore the Cultural Affairs Manager role, but they are also urging the City Council to bring the police vehicle lease to a public hearing for greater transparency and debate.
While the two-year, $4.2 billion budget includes department-wide cuts and eliminates many vacant roles, Nzinga argues cultural programs are consistently among the first to be deprioritized in moments of austerity.
With the position frozen, the responsibilities of the Cultural Affairs manager are now expected to be shared by the citywide grant coordinator and other administrative offices, Ramachandran said.
As arts organizations anticipate reduced funding and uncertainty, Nzinga hopes the city reconsiders. "This was a bad decision. But they have the chance to change their minds."
Ayah Ali-Ahmad is a 2025 business reporting intern for Oakland Voices.
Fathers, sons, and other men who attended the It’s A Man Thing Fatherhood Conference. Photo by Denise Scott.
